Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking fingolimod and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before starting fingolimod, your doctor will do medical/lab tests (such as complete blood count, blood pressure, EKG, pulse, eye exam) to monitor for side effects. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. You will be monitored for at least 6 hours after the first dose to make sure your heartbeat does not go too slow. A very slow heartbeat increases the risk for a serious heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation in the EKG). Tell your doctor if you have low levels of magnesium/potassium in the blood, personal or family history of QT prolongation in the EKG, family history of sudden cardiac death, or heart failure. Also tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs that can slow down your heartbeat or affect heart rhythm (such as causing QT prolongation in the EKG). See also Drug Interactions section.

If your doctor temporarily stops your fingolimod, you may need to be heartbeat-monitored again for at least 6 hours after you restart this medication. Children who have their dosage increased may also need to be monitored again for 6 hours. Ask your doctor for details.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when this drug is stopped. Tell your doctor right away if your MS symptoms are much worse after stopping fingolimod.

The dosage is based on your age and weight. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.